The Pirates are willing to drop their suit in exchange for anything? Does this pass the “straight face” test? Really? The Pirates’ argument is that there was general agreement on a contract. Try running that past a loan officer sometime and see how far it gets you.

I have to wonder why the civic center management would even consider negotiating with the Pirates or any other sports team. (Full disclosure: not a big sports fan here.)

Additional Photos

A worker welds a steel beam on the exterior of the Cumberland County Civic Center. Some readers aren’t all that upset by the loss of the Portland Pirates, favoring more profitable options or even a brand-new team. 2013 File Photo/Gabe Souza

In the past, civic center managers stated that at best, having the sports team was maybe a break-even prospect. During the public debate, they stated that the game dates could do as well or better by having other entertainment acts fill them.

It seems that it is the Portland “business” community that benefits the most and is the most vocal. Well, maybe it is time for civic center management to start thinking more about the bottom line than being a chamber of commerce for the Portland area.

It is my opinion that the “outlier” towns might enjoy seeing the civic center turn a healthy profit, which might even translate into some easing of county assessments for these communities.

How about the civic center management starts running the venue as a business rather than a “loss leader” at taxpayer expense?

Ray Ronan

Gorham

The Pirates left a very good offer from the civic center to bolt for Lewiston. Now they want to come back because they are not drawing the crowds they expected.

I say the civic center should pursue another minor league team to bring to Portland.

Ed Reagan

Portland

Dogs also need to be ready for the long, cold season

Yes, it’s turning colder, and I’m sure you’ve taken measures to keep yourself warm and dry this winter, but what about your dog? Please consider the following helpful hints to keep our best friends safe and warm this season.

• Keep your dog indoors where s/he can be protected from the elements.

• Provide extra food, as the cold weather requires more calories to be burned to stay warm.

• Clean off the dog’s paws when they come inside to prevent them from ingesting ice melt.

• If you must keep your dog outdoors for extended periods of time, please provide a sturdy doghouse. Use straw bedding because anything else will retain moisture and freeze. Have an off-center door with a flap to keep out the wind. Elevate the house off the ground a few inches and try to place it in the southwest corner of the yard, where it will get the most sun.

• Please make sure the dog’s water does not freeze.

Thanks for helping to make the winter a comfortable one for our four-legged friends!

Don Kimball

cruelty investigator, Peace and Justice for Animals

South Portland

Allies critical of U.S. spying should lose military support

“Spying”: A word that describes activities engaged in by animals, human and wild, for centuries. Suddenly, spying is in the forefront of news throughout the world. Why? Because it is politically expedient and useful to politicians everywhere. Today’s technology has brought “spying” to new levels of sophistication.

Many countries, friends and foes both, are reviling the United States for indiscriminate spying on countries and people worldwide. It’s time for offended countries to retaliate.

Every country where the United States occupies land for military operations should tell the U.S. Congress to remove all U.S. personnel (military and civilian) and equipment from their country – immediately. Hoo! Ha! Hip, hip, hooray! Go for it, countries of the world! Send us home!

The U.S. economy needs all the help it can get. Saving the billions of dollars spent each year to support, staff and supply all those bases would be very beneficial to our budget and debt problems. And think of the reduction in the count of dead and wounded personnel.

This could be a win-win situation!

Charles S. Copp

Westbrook

Civic-minded businesses needed for Lincoln Park

This is inspired by William Richards’ Nov. 25 letter, “Business, civic leader fondly recalled.”

I call myself the chief spear carrier for the Friends of Lincoln Park, Portland’s oldest city-owned park, built in 1866, which sits atop Congress and Franklin streets. If you have noticed its current state lately, would you believe that it was once one of the most beautiful parks of its time?

Which leads me to Mr. Richards’ recognition of the late Peter Hudson, who marshaled the support of other business leaders of Portland by pointing out their responsibility as successful businesses to lend their time and talent to the good of civic endeavors.

I would now add, their financial support as well. In this case, for the restoration of Lincoln Park, a major component of Portland’s historic fabric. I enjoy putting the park in the illustrious company of the Abyssinian Meeting House, the abolition of slavery and the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln, for whom the park is named, all of which contributed to forming our country’s foundation into the modern age.

Letters to several business leaders in Portland were sent out recently addressing this subject, asking for their support, which I referred to as “Pride and Place”: connecting one’s pride in one’s business with the place in which that business succeeds. I’ve had two positive responses, but I’m hopeful as the effort has just begun.

Lincoln Park was recently added to Greater Portland Landmarks’ “in peril” list, so please help the Friends of Lincoln Park honor Portland’s history and Peter Hudson’s memory by supporting our goal to have park paths paved, its cast iron fencing repaired, new benches installed and the magnificent 1866 fountain restored to its original design.

Lincoln Park looks forward to gaining your respect and appreciation!

Frank E. Reilly

chief spear carrier, Friends of Lincoln Park

lovelincolnpark.org

Portland

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